Mayo-Galway geopark one step closer to UNESCO status

A geopark encompassing large parts of Galway and Mayo has been assessed for UNESCO status. 

Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark has just undergone an assessment mission by UNESCO, which could lead to it achieving UNESCO Global Geopark status in the near future.

Over a three-day period, two UNESCO assessors were guided through the heritage features, local businesses and communities in the Joyce Country and Western Lakes area of north County Galway and south County Mayo. 

The assessment by UNESCO comes after 14 years of dedicated voluntary effort, plus key funding during 2020-2021 from Project Ireland 2040’s Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.

It is envisaged that UNESCO status would attract more visitors to the Joyce Country and Western Lakes region. It will boost local enterprise, income and jobs and help the region’s 20 communities to sustain populations and flourish.

There are currently seven locations on the island of Ireland with these top-level UNESCO statuses: Burren and Cliffs of Moher, Copper Coast, Cuilcagh Lakelands, and Mourne Gullion Strangford (UNESCO Global Geoparks); and Brú na Bóinne, Skellig Michael and Giant's Causeway (World Heritage Sites).

This would be the first UNESCO Global Geopark in Connacht and the first on the island of Ireland to include a Gaeltacht, called Dúiche Sheoigheach agus Tuar Mhic Éadaigh (Joyce Country and Tourmakeady).

Three staff now manage Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark. It is also supported by strong voluntary and philanthropic contributions and operational funding and governance oversight.

Other state agency supporters include Fáilte Ireland, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Coillte and Inland Fisheries Ireland.

Comharchumann Dhúiche Sheoigheach Teo (CDS, in Corr na Móna) is the geopark host.

The territory of this aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark derives its appearance from 700 million years of geological heritage and the way the land has been inhabited and farmed since the last ice age about 12,000 years ago. It also includes three great western lakes – Loughs Carra, Mask and the top half of the Corrib.

Better known towns and villages in the region include Ballinrobe, Cong, Clonbur, Headford, Leenane and Oughterard – all with fascinating geosites, local tourism attractions and walking/cycling trails.

The area also incorporates the lesser known villages of Aughagower, Ballintubber, Carnacon, Corr na Móna, Cross, Finny, Glencorrib, Killawalla, Maam, The Neale, Partry, Recess/Inagh Valley, and Tourmakeady.

The world’s 195 geoparks attract around 60 million visitors – from people with specific interest in geology, to those who just want to enjoy beautiful landscapes, the local heritage and the great outdoors.